Successful risk mitigation is the key to underwriting agency success, but what tools should underwriting agencies invest in to support this? Discover how claims management tools can be used to drive success for underwriting agencies, and what to look out for when finding your best fit.

Technological innovation continues to support the industry to refine operations and facilitate smarter decision-making. Yet, to harness the full potential of these advancements, underwriting agencies must discern which tools and features align with their unique business needs. In this article, we explore the expanding role of technology for risk mitigation and share insights into the essential features to look out for when finding the perfect fit for your agency.

Vital to the quality control

Quality control is not just a routine checkbox; it's a mindset that needs to permeate every facet of an underwriting agency's operations. Robust quality management strategies can be a game-changer when supported by an innovative claim’s management platform and leading tools or functionalities used to support the all-important claims function.

Agencies prioritising accuracy, compliance, and transparency are well positioned to earn the trust of policyholders and partners, further driving growth and success. However, it’s no secret that the underwriting process involves complex decision-making, from assessing policyholder risk profiles to setting premiums and coverage terms. In this intricate web of responsibilities, quality control emerges as a pillar of assurance. For underwriting agencies striving to fortify their operational processes and safeguard against costly claims or regulatory incompliance, investing in claims management technologies is a strategic move. These tools have evolved to offer comprehensive quality control features, empowering underwriting agencies to enhance profitability with unmatched insights. With a clear understanding of your business's unique needs, a competitive advantage can be easily gained with the right set of tools for your business.

To leverage these cutting-edge tools and identify essential features for risk mitigation, consider these capabilities:

  1. Quality management controls:

     In-built quality management controls can streamline compliance and improve organisational productivity and outcomes. This functionality ensures claims are processed correctly and policy conditions are met before claims are paid. With this elevated oversight over your operations, you can have confidence in these quality measures.

  2. Workflow activity and logical sequencing:

     One of the key quality control features within a claims management platform is workflow activity. With this feature, agencies can ensure that claims are processed in a timely manner, with a logical sequence, limiting the risk of a premature claim settlement through not having established the validity of the claim. It's a crucial step in the risk evaluation process, as it safeguards against costly manual errors that can arise from the incorrect application of the policy terms or conditions.

  3. Policy-specific delegated authority: 

    Some claims management platforms can support policy-specific delegated authorities, enabling underwriting agencies to have confidence in the appropriate level of authority to fulfil these responsibilities and maintaining accountability to inform decisions regarding reserve movements, claims approvals, and payments. This functionality ensures that decisions align with policy terms and that the right individuals are making them, reducing the risk of errors or unauthorised actions.

  4. Reporting, auditing and compliance:

     Effective quality control goes beyond the immediate decision-making process, it extends to auditing and compliance. Claims management platforms can help underwriting agencies to excel in this area by providing regulatory reporting, that is supported by the comprehensive auditing and compliance features. It’s important to ensure that the technology platform you select has this feature so that your business adheres to the various regulatory requirements and policy terms, further promoting risk mitigation and transparency.

By embracing technological innovation in the underwriting space, agencies can further enhance risk mitigation strategies and streamline efficiencies for operational success. Claims management technology has become a roadmap for navigating intricacies with confidence and safeguarding your business against changing regulations and complex claims. To find out more about how claims management technology can drive success for your underwriting agency, connect with our team at the upcoming Underwriting Agencies Council (NZUAC) Expo.

Author

Steven Walsh

Steven Walsh

Chief Client Officer